Safe Sacred Spaces: A Clergy Resource Guide for Responding to Violence & Trauma

Why This Matters

• Survivors are 5x more likely to seek help from clergy before professionals.
• In 2024, Georgia recorded 42,184 family violence incidents — nearly 1/3 involved children present.
• In Savannah/Chatham County, limited shelter space means clergy are often the first and most trusted resource.

Legal Responsibilities of Clergy in Georgia

• Clergy-Penitent Privilege protects confidential confessions/spiritual counseling.
• Mandatory Reportingis required if clergy learn of:
  • Child abuse
  • Elder abuse
  • Abuse of a disabled adult

Note: Adult disclosures of domestic violence without children or vulnerable adults are not mandatory report situations — but still require pastoral care and referrals.

How Clergy Can Respond

Do:

• Believe survivors: “I believe you. You are not alone.”
• Prioritize safety: connect survivors to safe resources, not back to abusers.
• Partner with local advocates (The Jewel, SAFE Shelter, Victim-Witness).
• Educate your congregation about abuse prevention.

Don’t:

• Tell survivors to stay and “pray harder.”
• Counsel couples together when violence is present.
• Use scripture to justify silence or control.

Recognizing Spiritual Abuse

• Misusing scripture to excuse violence or silence victims.
• Forcing forgiveness or reconciliation without accountability.
• Equating submission with holiness, even in the face of harm. Clergy have the power to break these cycles by teaching freedom, dignity, and God’s justice.

Practical Tools for Clergy

• Sample Script (When Someone Discloses Abuse):
  • “Thank you for trusting me.”
  • “You do not deserve this.”
  • “There are safe, confidential resources I can connect you with.”
• Sermon Ideas:
  • John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
  • Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
  • Isaiah 61 – “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty for the captives.”
• Prayer for Survivors:

  “God of refuge, wrap Your arms around those who are hurting. Protect them from harm, restore their hope, and give us, as faith leaders, the courage to stand with them in truth and love.”

Referral Resources

Call to Action for Clergy

• Keep this page bookmarked for reference.
• Preach a message against abuse during the year.
• Share resources visibly in your church (bulletins, bathrooms, youth rooms).
• Contact The Jewel for clergy training and collaboration.